POR PETCHKAIKAEW GYM
POR PETCHKAIKAEW GYM by Serge TRÉFEU (2024)
Por Petchkaikaew opened in 2012. This small boxing camp, in the countryside of the Prachuap Khiri Khan region, is located in the village of Hin Lek Faï, about 20 km from the tourist resort of Hua Hin.
The Por Petchkaikaew belongs to Mr. Preecha Khaikaew, a local figure of the region. This great Muay Thai lover had already created a camp a few years before, the Sit Itisukato Gym, located right next to the sumptuous Wat Khao Itisukato temple.
Mr. Preecha Khaikaew was an important monk at Wat Khao Itisukato. For 33 years he lived in the temple before resigning from monastic life to become a layman. Despite this change in status, his determination to do good has not diminished.
This extremely generous man has helped many people, for example, helping young children out of poverty through boxing, supporting the education of monks and students until they graduate. He also built houses for the poor and fire victims in the provinces of Prachuap Khiri Khan and Phichit.
In recognition of his boundless generosity, he has received many honorary awards, such as the “Good Person of Sri Phichit” award by Her Royal Highness Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya, as well as the “Child Grateful” award of the Social Protection Council of Thailand.
In addition, he was honoured with a certificate of recognition “For his dedication and support in donating food and items to flood victims”.
In 2023, Mr. Preecha Khaikaew became the leader of the New Dimension Party, a political party whose slogan is “From now on, the poor no longer have to provide for the rich”.
Preecha Khaikaew has two passions: Muay Thai and cockfighting. It has two nationally recognized rooster farms: Big Boom Farm in Kanchanaburi Province and Big Boom Farm in Amak Hua Hin.
The Sit Itisukato Gym has produced several great fighters, including Chanchaï Sit Itisukato, winner of the Max Muay Thai tournament and MNA world champion, as well as Maklek Sit Isitukato, Omnoï stadium champion in 126 lbs and winner of the famous Maa Daeng tournament in 117 lbs in 2007.
Unfortunately, the Sit Itisukato Gym boxing camp had to close its doors due to the Covid pandemic. However, it is comforting to know that the camp boxers have found refuge and opportunities in other camps in the region, including the Por Petchkaikaew Gym. The champion Maklek Sit Isitukato became the main coach of Por Petchkaikaew Gym.
The Por Petchkaikaew Gym has a dozen boxers, among which are distinguished talented fighters such as Fahlan, world champion Onesongchai, as well as Silaphet, Noppachai, Sudsakhon and Phetchaison. These fighters regularly perform in the major stadiums of the capital.
Very few foreigners came to train at the Por Petchkaikaew Gym, although the camp hosted an Italian fighter for several months to prepare for his fights in Italy. This shows that the camp is open to fighters from different backgrounds, even if there are fewer of them.
Mr. Preecha Khaikaew’s son manages the Por Petchkaikaew camp, while his father, as a committed politician in the Bangkok area, is now too busy to devote himself to boxing.
